The fifth meeting of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Consultative Committee (TGACC) was held in Sydney on 20 February 2020. TGACC members represent a diverse range of stakeholder organisations with an interest in the advertising of therapeutic goods, including consumer organisations, industry peak bodies, media and health professional bodies.
The TGA provided an update on recent activities, including the development of draft social media guidance and the progress towards an upgrade of the IT system to allow for greater detail in reporting.
The TGACC discussed the TGA's Advertising Education report including the need for additional guidance for advertisers around certain provisions of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No.2) 2018 (the Code). Additionally, members noted the need for the provision of further guidance in relation to advertising directed exclusively to health professionals.
TGACC members commented on the improved quality of the Compliance report, discussed the breakdown of complaints and requested that future reports include more granularity relating to the category of 'products not on the ARTG'. The TGA noted the development of its assurance program. The TGA also advised on the engagement of ThinkPlace to conduct a review of the current complaints handling process.
The TGA's draft guidance on social media was presented for review. TGACC members acknowledged the importance of this guidance and agreed to participate in its further development by providing input on the draft and by participating in a future workshop. Members noted the need for clear definitions in the guidance and requested the addition of additional examples throughout the document to assist with clarity.
An update was provided on the recent changes in the arrangements for preapproval of certain advertisements and discussed compliance themes. The pending abolition of advertising preapproval on 1 July 2020 may raise additional compliance issues for certain advertisers and a voluntary preapproval/advisory service will be offered by some providers, including Consumer Healthcare Products Australia.
Ms Rosemary Sinclair AM, appointed by Minister Hunt to lead an independent review of the reforms to the therapeutic goods advertising framework, attended the meeting. Ms Sinclair invited TGACC members to raise issues of interest and noted the limited timeframe planned for the review. TGACC member organisations will also be invited to attend sector-specific workshops during March/April 2020. An initial report is due by 1 July 2020.
The TGA presented information about the current Key Performance Indictors (KPIs) relating to complaints, including the TGA's performance against the KPIs and noting the volume of complaints received since the implementation of the scheme. The TGACC acknowledged the work underway by ThinkPlace and the TGA to review the suitability of the KPIs in the context of TGA's regulatory role.
One representative expressed concerns about the way TGA handles complaints and about the effectiveness of the TGA’s approach to low category complaints. Members discussed the effectiveness of the current obligations letter sent to advertisers in relation to low category complaints.
The TGACC discussed a proposed set of meeting procedures and future operation of the committee including the opportunity for better engagement with members, the addition of standing items to the agenda, and the timing of distribution of meeting papers.
The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for May 2020.